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A member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is urging state, rather than federal, regulation of hydraulic fracturing, according to this article. Federal regulation "could potentially pinch off a real economic lifeline to the country," said Tony Clark, one of the five commission members. Clark's comments come as the Department of the Interior prepares to unveil federal hydraulic fracturing regulations.

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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should actively help states comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, according to newest FERC member Colette Honorable. This could involve giving advice on studies to conduct or hosting a technical conference. "FERC is going to be needed now more than ever to support the vast work that will have to be undertaken," she said.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans to release its recommendations for the Environmental Protection Agency's power plant regulations prior to the EPA's release of the final rule later this year, according to FERC Commissioner Colette Honorable. While the EPA has expertise on environmental issues, Honorable believes the FERC has a better understanding of the nation's electricity grid. "I do feel confident that the EPA will rely upon FERC in a very meaningful way," she said.

A House subcommittee will hold a hearing Thursday with commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on shale gas issues, pending regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency and natural gas exports. The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power is also expected to discuss a bill, recently approved by the House, to fast-track FERC permitting approvals of natural gas pipelines. The bill, which has prompted a veto threat, would help expand the nation's gas network if it becomes law, said the American Chemistry Council.

U.S. energy firms are rushing to secure approval for liquefied natural gas exports, but the country's technological advantage in the exploration and production of unconventional gas may not last long, said Cheryl LaFleur, a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Her remarks came a week after the commission cleared Cheniere Energy's proposal to construct a liquefied natural gas export facility in Louisiana. LaFleur said that her "experience is that these technological cycles seem to be shorter and shorter as we move forward."